No plays to critique for you this week…

But as anyone who’s ever met me knows… I am NEVER at a loss for things to talk about! Read on… for a babbling barrage of chit chat!

The Voice – Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC

Okay, I must admit it… I am a bonafide “junky” for undiscovered talent! Following the hopes, dreams and journeys of the lives of those born with a God given gift… touches my heart deeply. That’s probably why I’ve enjoyed the privilege of “reviewing” mostly smaller theatre/equity waiver plays for the past 16 years. I have never missed a week of American Idol… cheering on my “faves.” Now, as if I had nothing but spare time… which is certainly not true, a new TV show has just premiered, exposing unknown singers. Called The Voice, it is truly unique! Four successful, well known singers from various genres, sit backwards on high back chairs, and audition hopeful vocalists, without being able to see them. If impressed… each celebrity has a buzzer to hit. This turns their chair around, expressing an interest in training and shaping that singer’s career. When each has committed to eight contenders, we’ll follow their progress weekly. Finally (with viewers’ votes phoned in) one vocalist will be awarded a gigantic recording contract. The soulful Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, country singer Blake Shelton and hip hop star Cee-Lo Green, officiate… with humorous and helpful repartee. The auditioning singers on the first show came in all sizes, types and ages… but each one was phenomenally talented! Looks like I’m stuck on another musical reality show! Check it out!

Mark Your Calenders – (plays I’ve booked to review)

The Malcontent – Opening May 6 at Deaf West Theatre in NoHo

The multi-awarded Antaeus Troupe offers John Marston’s (1576-1634) wickedly funny, bawdy and shocking tragicomedy masterpiece. Promising disguises, revenge, seductions, deceptions and adulteries, with a Shakespearian favor… this should be a mind teasing treat, for seasoned theatre goers. For early booking, call (818) 506-1983.

The Emancipation of Alabaster McGill – Opening May 14 at Theatre Unlimited

A politically raucous comedy, written by “cutting edge” playwright Jeff Goode, this one should offer a whacky ride! Ripped from the headlines of 1865, it is billed as “a play about gay unions in a Confederate closet,” revealing a mutual hatred of Abe Lincoln. A Civil War border town sizzles with controversy! For early booking, call (800) 838-3006.

South of Delancey – Opening May 21 at South Pasadena’s Fremont Centre

This 1930’s story, placed on NYC’s Lower East Side, and based on facts, was created by Karen Sommers. Sharing the story of a man named Rabbi Rubin, we experience the interaction at the “House of Sages.” A place for retired rabbis to study, pray and debate… it later became a site for the poor Jewish community to settle legal disputes, broadcast on Yiddish radio stations. This play focuses on three such cases during wartime… when people sorely needed support and community spirit. For early booking, call (866) 811-4111.

Boomermania… Still Knockin’ ‘Em Dead!

A party for “Baby Boomers” at El Portal… I took friends back again, to catch this hilariously entertaining, nostalgic musical romp. The hot live band, multi-talented cast, historical and hysterical screened events, and the dozens of wigs and costumes are all impressive! I reviewed this show in February… and they’ve just extended the run again, through mid-June. If you haven’t seen it, you should. It’s a hoot! Call (818) 508-4200.

Rockin’ with the Ages 3

Congrats are in order! Jackie Goldberg’s “sassy senior” musical, featuring a lively cast of actor/singers over “60,” (the third in the series) has just closed a “sold out” run at The Victory Theatre. The wheels are already turning in her unstoppable mind for the fourth production. Nearly 80 herself, this dynamic gal is a “force to be reckoned with!” I’ll let you know when and where Rockin’ 4 will transpire.

Like many of you… I tuned it to the royal wedding coverage on the weekend. Very enjoyable… Bride looked lovely, and the crowd of million-plus spectators were so well behaved! I was in dazzled awe of the outrageous hats on the ladies! From gorgeous to ghastly… they were quite a spectacle!

About

The Tolucan Times is a free weekly community newspaper, published since 1937 and available online. With over 600 drop locations throughout the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys from Encino to Pasadena, The Tolucan Times serves the communities of Glendale, Flintridge La Canada, Burbank, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and Van Nuys, to list a few.